CENTER DIRECTORS

“You know, this dichotomy between materialism and spirituality has been posited for so long, and I find that it’s not a correct way of thinking. They can, and do, go hand in hand, although it is possible to get stuck in either extreme,” says Dr. Renuka Singh, successful author, academic and current director of Tushita Mahayana Meditation Centre, New Delhi, India. Tony Simmons, for Mandala, met Renuka at her home in the fashionable area of Hauz Khas, a five minute walk from Tushita’s new center. She lives with her father, a book publisher, her graphic designer sister and Pema the corpulent cat (fed on American cat food).

Tony: Renuka, you are a doctor of sociology. Would you like to tell us a little bit about your career background?

Renuka: I studied at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi where I did my masters and PhD in sociology. At my graduate level I had studied philosophy and psychology, but JNU didn’t have psychology as a subject for a masters, so I thought sociology was the best thing to do. Then, for my PhD I specialized in women’s studies.

What led you to this interest?

You see, at home, while I was growing up, I saw my mother working with women from the lower and middle classes. They would pour in with their problems, and it really had an impact on me. Later though, whilst doing my masters, I think it was my own experience as a woman that sensitized me to these issues.

Have you ever been personally active in social reform?

For ten years of my life, in my twenties, I did a lot of voluntary work in the slums. Also, trying to raise people’s consciousnesses through street theatre, counseling – all sorts of things. We had this radical, revolutionary spirit and were very much part of the leftist movement, especially at JNU. We were influenced by Marxist thought, even if we didn’t actually belong to a party. That was a time when we felt we could change the world. I tried my best and discovered that, no, that is not the way; the revolution has to begin from within.

Your first book, Womb of Mind, was well received. Was it a difficult task?

It took me ten years to write this book. It wasn’t easy, because I went against the mainstream. I interviewed 200 women from different religious, educational, family and class backgrounds, so that I could get a comprehensive picture. I managed to prove my point, so it was a breakthrough in women’s studies.

Do you see your work as being of benefit to others, apart from the academic level?

That’s what people tell me. They feel that it helps them understand the situation in a better way. Otherwise, what’s the point of even doing research? If people gain understanding I think you are contributing a lot.

And your latest work?

My new book explores the spiritual struggle of modern Indian women, especially through family relationships. I wanted to bring in the social dimension. In our society, when men pursue spirituality, they tend to renounce the world and give up their families, whereas I find that women do not renounce the world. They are very much rooted in the social reality, and the struggle lies within the family.

Regarding spirituality, when did you first meet the Buddhist teachings?

You know, when I was in the 4th standard at school, we studied history and I came across the story of Lord Buddha. That was the first time I encountered the Four Noble Truths. I still remember distinctly that I could identify very easily with this. There were so many other historical characters, but Buddha was very dear to my heart. I felt an element of truth resonating there.

You have met His Holiness the Dalai Lama many times. How did this relationship develop?

I had become interested in Tibetan Buddhism through writing a paper, The Feminine Principle in Tibetan Buddhism, for a sociological congress. In 1986 His Holiness was teaching to a group in Delhi, and I managed to attend. The first day I asked His Holiness a question and I was overwhelmed that he took half an hour in answering. I felt that I had found a teacher, because none of my professors could answer my questions on the nature of mind. After that I had a private audience with His Holiness, and then I felt that there no questions left. Ever since, we have been meeting off and on.

And Lama Yeshe?

In 1983 I was working on my doctoral thesis. I had all these questions and somebody told me that I should meet Lama Yeshe, that maybe he could help. The Dharma Celebration [annual teachings given in Delhi by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, hosted by Tushita] was on at the Oberoi Hotel and I went, not knowing anybody. I just had a desire to meet Lama Yeshe. I was sitting in the hall and saw Lama come in. He was radiant. Later, at lunch time, he saw me and walked up to me and we shook hands. I was amazed. After the function I approached him as he was coming down from the dais, and he asked if I had time right then and there for my questions. He gave me fifteen minutes. That was my first and last meeting with Lama.

Did this lead to a meeting with Lama Zopa Rinpoche?

Yes. In ’84 I heard that Lama Yeshe had passed away and in ’85 I had a dream in which I was holding a child. I saw Lama Yeshe and he told me “that’s him.” Later, when I read that Lama Osel had been identified, I was really taken aback. In 1986, Lama Osel was brought to Delhi, and when I went to see him he greeted me in exactly the same manner as Lama Yeshe had. He took me by the hand to meet his brothers and sisters. Although he was not yet two and didn’t speak, he played with me like mad for half an hour. Ever since, I am in close touch whenever Lama Osel comes to Delhi. Through Lama Osel, in 1988, I met Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and that’s how I was inducted into Tushita, helping them out with the Dharma Celebration and the program.

What was your first impression of Lama Zopa?

I thought he was very humble and sweet.

Do you consider him your spiritual teacher?

Oh yes. And I have changed a lot since I met Lama Zopa Rinpoche!

You were brought up a Sikh. Do you also consider yourself a Buddhist?

It depends on what you mean by Buddhist. If a Buddhist is a person with an interest in Buddhist philosophy, then yes, I am a Buddhist. But if you ask if I have converted to Buddhism religiously, then no, I haven’t, because I was born a Sikh and I cannot disown my past. I will remain a Sikh, but that doesn’t mean I can’t relate to Buddhism intellectually and experientially.

You became director of Tushita in 1994. How did this come about?

Rinpoche had wanted me to be director for quite a while, but there were problems at home, and I was hesitant to accept. I don’t believe in positions or like to be in positions, that’s my nature. But I guess I am being tested by Rinpoche, being made to do things I don’t like, and to develop my patience through this. Rinpoche knows my mind.

What do you see as your main role as director?

To see that the center remains active and functional, that it brings people from East and West together. It has a great contribution to make. And, of course, it makes teachings available to Indian people. That’s a way of thanking them for all their kindness [in giving Dharma to the world] in accordance with Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa’s wishes.

Have you seen changes in the lives of people who frequent the center?

Certainly I think they benefit from coming. A journey begins in their lives, and it’s great to achieve even that much.

What is your vision for the future of the center?

Basically a place that will encourage a lot of participation and bring benefit to as many people as possible. To continue hosting the Dharma Celebration. If Tibetans ever return to Tibet, I think Tushita will function as a cultural center as well.

What is the most beneficial thing for yourself, being director?

I would say I have come into close contact with different teachers, so I have gained more knowledge. I have also gained more patience. Maybe I am trying to become a better person, and become aware of the fact that we all make mistakes and that we have to forgive ourselves and others. When you interact with human beings, you tend to project so much onto the other person, but actually it’s your own limitations that are at fault.

Would you ever leave India?

No, only to give lectures. Not permanently, never. My roots are very much here, and Delhi is my home. I was born and brought up here. It’s a center of gravity for me.

Lastly, do you have any advice for Westerners who find India a difficult place to be?

If people could accept the fact that there are different ways of doing things, if they could switch their gaze, it should be very easy to integrate. When I travel abroad, I can always find reasons to complain, but I can always enjoy myself wherever I go, because I can see the positive side as well. Why can’t Westerners see the positive side of India?

Your mind is the ultimate reality, so you can’t blame the circumstances. You can only blame yourself.